Workshops

Hephzibah runs two types of art therapy workshops. Weekly workshops which are every Monday night from 7-9pm throughout term time. You may book for a try-out session prior to signing up for the course.

Hephzibah also runs One Day Training Workshops which are twice yearly. Please email me for future dates.

An art for the heart workshop enables you to get in touch with your creativity and to learn to express your feelings through the making of images. Each week you will meet to have some fun with paints, and to develop your own unique way of painting.

The emphasis is on personal growth and discovery rather than working towards a finished piece to hang on your wall (though sometimes you may want to display your paintings at home). You will be stimulated by the creative and healing processes. You will face exciting challenges and discover new things about yourself.

You will also have an opportunity to share any thoughts that arise while painting, and to listen to the painting experiences of others. The workshops can be a good way to wind down without ‘pressure to perform’ as well as being a special time just for yourself and your own creative development

The weekly sessions are divided into two parts. In the first half you will have initially been taught a method of painting without having to paint or depict anything in particular. This exercise is also called "release the pressures of the day, relax and play." The aim is to encourage Expressionist painting, to ‘dance with paint’.
The art therapist, Liesl Silverstone wrote:

"a spontaneous image can contain…..diverse aspects of the self expressed symbolically, come to us from the subconscious, to be known, to be integrated."

The second set of exercises are designed to stimulate different aspects of the growth process. Different themes are explored weekly and each subject progressively builds on itself. In each workshop you will participate in a parallel growth process where you will experience how all the images work as mirrors, offering you new insights and discoveries to understanding yourself and others. I often observe how the images themselves develop in sophistication, authenticity and relevance as you develop your artistic nature.

After each painting exercise we return to the circle and look at the images together. This reflection helps consolidate and articulate the process, aided by respect for individual interpretation and learning to accept the comments and support from others in the group.

"non-dominant hand painting"

"Finding a path that makes sense"

"A safe place to be?"

WHO IS IT FOR?

Anybody interested in personal development and especially artists, psychotherapists, counsellors, health professionals, management consultants and teachers are all welcome, If you have no experience of personal development work you may be required to come for an initial interview or introductory session. It is irrelevant if you think you don’t know how to paint or draw.





BOOKING

The workshops take place every Monday night 7.00 to 9.00pm during term time except for Bank holidays. It is recommended that you make a commitment to about four consecutive sessions. This is to allow for development and enrichment of the process. You are also welcome to book for a try-out, or individual session, whenever you like.

The workshops are limited to 10 places and so you are advised to book early.

Click here for more booking information.

What previous participants have said about the workshop...

"Many thanks for your sessions. I’ve found at the end of each one I’m intrigued and eager to know more. Maybe because through other people it is possible to learn about myself. Maybe because through having new glimpses about myself I am also more open to learning about other people........a realisation that it is alright to be sensitive.....that it is alright to admit to feeling light and not dark, without a feeling of retribution...."
D.W., Musician

"Hephzibah's workshops are inspiring. She helps you to nurture yourself in a fun and exciting way which in turn enables others to blossom."
Vicky Levy, Former Head of Drama at The King Alfred School. Artistic Director of Club Dramatika

"My creativity was galvanised" Dana, Graphic Designer

"Gave me permission to explore expression through art which I had not done since school." Nick, Doctor

"I valued the way in which the workshop was developed ­ each segment felt in progression and dynamically connected ­ valued the model of respect and lack of judgement..it was such a worthwhile experience, both on a personal and professional level. Art therapy is truly an exciting therapeutic medium." Linda, psychotherapist

"I loved it and felt very moved, and encouraged by it. Heart-warming for me and helpful and illuminating for me as a therapist" Liz, psychotherapist

Cost:
1-3 sessions £35 per session
4-6 sessions £30 per session
7-10 sessions £25 per session

Art for the Heart supplies a whole variety of different art materials which is included in the cost.

Regular participants (ie. those who have come to more than 7 sessions previously) are invited to pay the lowest rate from the first session.

Dates for 2010:

Dates from September 2010
Sep: 13th, 20th, 27th.
Oct: 4th, 11th,18th.
Nov: 1st, 8th, 15th, 23rd, 29th.
Dec: 6th.

If you would like a programme for next terms workshops please contact us.